There is a shortage of manpower in Norway right now, so it is a good time for looking for a job here. However, it is still quite difficult to get the first job in Norway.

I often hear that there is a lot of racism in Norway because it is so difficult for foreign job-seekers to be selected. But part of this problem could be linked the lack of work experience in Norway. Norwegian job-seekers also struggle to get their first job in Norway because they lack work experience and references. It is always easier to get a job if you already have a job because you have then proven that somebody has seen the value of hiring you.

However, there are some cultural factors in Norway that are a bit different to many other countries:

1.      Strong job protection (big risk to select the wrong candidate)

Norway has very strict rules for dismissal of employees. Recruitment of the wrong candidate in a permanent position will lead to a complicated and lengthy process since it will not be straight forward to just “hire and fire”.

It may therefore be perceived as more unpredictable and risky for employers to select candidates with a different cultural background who may not fit in or may not understand expectations and unwritten rules.

2.      Candidate failed to show suitability (unsure if s/he will fit in)

Norwegian employers place strong emphasis on personal suitability to ensure that the candidate will be a positive contributor to a good working environment. Norwegian employers look for candidates with good collaborative skills, a positive and friendly attitude and who are helpful to their colleagues.

Foreign job applicants often only describe their professional skills in their application letter and CV. When they fail to mention anything about heir personality, social skills and interests, they are perceived as less open. In such cases, it may seem safer to select a candidate who gives an impression of who they are how they will influence the rest of the team. Candidates who are reluctant to answer personal questions during the interview are often disqualified because they are not perceived as open and friendly, or personally suitable for the position.

3.     Candidate failed to show inner motivation (unsure if s/he will stay in the job)

Norwegian employers look for candidates with a heartfelt motivation for the tasks, work environment, products/services and the company.

Applicants who seem to be motivated only by the salary, or who fail to describe what motivates them for the job will not be selected because employers think they will not stay in the job. Many foreign employers write too little about their motivation for the position.

4.     Candidate did not have any references (uncertain of how s/he has performed)

This is linked to no. 1. It is important to check the candidate’s references to find out as much as possible about how s/he has performed in previous job(s) or assignments.

Foreign job-seekers often don’t have a mention of references, or they only have references outside Norway. References outside of Norway has less value simply because it is more difficult to do a proper reference check.

Norwegian employers may be a bit skeptical to foreign job-seekers, especially if the candidate has application documents or interview behaviour that they consider a bit odd. It is therefore important to learn about Norwegian workplace culture so that you can have the right approach.

I left my job in 2011 and started my own company, Ellis Culture, because I wanted to share knowledge about the Norwegian job market and work culture that is hard to find in other places. By taking this course, you have come to the right place. After taking it, you will understand much more of the Norwegian culture, mindset, expectations and preferences. By having this understanding, you will be much more successful as a job-seeker in Norway.